Illinois Army National Guard soldiers honored for sacrifice, service

Over 100 Illinois Army National Guard soldiers were honored Saturday in a ceremony for the 9334d Military Police Company held at Chicago Botanic Gardens.

They were recognized by the National Guard bureau freedom salute campaign for their sacrifice and service in support of operation enduring freedom.

The soldiers' unit deployed to Afghanistan where they worked with Special Forces troops.

"That work that you did is something chairman Dempsey has highlighted in his strategic vision for the future as being critically for general purpose forces like we in the National Guard Special Operations group community continue to work together so be very proud of yourselves," said Brig. Gen. Richard, J. Hayes, Army National Guard.